Inspiration, Enchantment and a Sense of Wonder … Can a New Paradigm in Education Bring Nature and Culture Together Again?

Abstract

It is the Child that sees the primordial Secret in Nature and it is the child in ourselves that we return to. The child within us is simple and daring enough to live the Secret. Chuang Tzu If education is to be a major part of the solution to climate change, habitat loss, degradation of cultural heritage, threats to biodiversity and ecological stability then the dominant paradigm in education must change from a transmissive to a transformative mode. Closely coupled and interwoven through this will be the need for a hands‐on experiential element that is inspirational, interactive and socially developmental. Teachers, lecturers and interpretation professionals have not lost any of their talent as innovators or communicators— but in some countries they have an increasingly difficult culture of fear and litigation to work within. How do we educate for a different world where sustainability becomes a priority for the exponentially growing human population and the diminishing biodiversity of other species? Can we ensure an adequate specialist training within a holistic framework which balances science and the arts? There are examples of excellent educational programmes and practices from many countries which deserve a higher profile; the challenge is to encourage these, research them effectively and share good practice. This paper encourages an increase in ecological and sustainability literacy, calls for a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach, and encourages practitioners to reclaim the education initiative.